Kent family

John Rodolphus Kent and Tiria

Arrived: 1820Country of origin:Area in New Zealand: Bay of Islands, Hokianga, Kawhia, Port Nicholson, NgaruwahiaSource: Typescript-They Came By Sea- vol 1; John O'C. Ross: Historic Poverty Bay and the East Cape by J A Mackay.

Details: British Naval Officer employed by Australian Government. Master of the Prince Regent- a gift to King Kamehameha of Hawaii. First foreigner to enter the Hokianga Harbour, Kawhia Harbour, Port Nicholson and is believed to be the first European to negotiate the present entrance to Auckland. He was known as Amokete to the Maori. Later became a flaxtrader at Nguruawahia, Waikato. He married Tiria, daughter of Chief Te Whero Whero.C 1828. In the seige of Kaiuku, East Cape, John the Gossp, probably John Kent although there can be no proof, made a practice of going into the fort to have a yarn with the defenders. J Mackay also writes that John Kent was the means by which the southern sections of Ngati-Kahungunu first obtained guns and powder.He died on 1st January 1837 and is buried at Te Horo or Kahawai (Manukau).